Is Anal Sex Risky? Here’s What Doctors and Studies Reveal
Unveiling the Mysteries of Foreplay
Foreplay is not strictly physical in nature; it may also be emotional. The function of foreplay is to excite sexual arousal, bringing about the consummation of better sexual experiences. Some of the most common types of foreplay, though not confined to the list below, include:
- Kissing
- Having sex talk
- Sensual touching
- Frottage
- Undressing
- Oral sex
- Viewing pornography
- Fetish play
- Sexual bondage
- Blindfold
- Sploshing
- Playing sexual games
- Role-playing
- Playing with sex toys
However, the most important factor involving these acts is safety and the possible potential of spreading STDs.
The Importance of Foreplay in Sexual Relationships
The benefits of foreplay are not only confined to the physical aspects but are an essential part for most people, physiologically and physically.
Physiological Importance of Foreplay
Foreplay helps emotional closeness among lovers, binding them together with a strong bond. For the casual sexer, this event helps to reduce shyness and other inhibitions. It is also an excellent stress-related sex since it reduces those kisses that are known to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone) and increase other hormones like oxytocin production, serotonin, and dopamine.
Physical Importance of Foreplay
Physiologically, it increases sexual arousal. It quickens the heartbeat and dilates the blood vessels, particularly in the genital areas. This results in increased blood flow - thus, an erection occurs in men and lubrication in women.
Assessing the Safety of Foreplay Practices
Although generally foreplay is less risky than unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, it does carry some health risk. Some sexually transmitted infections can be passed onto another person by skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects without sexual penetration.
STDs Potentially Spread through Foreplay
Skin-to-skin contact can allow for the transmission of some STDs, like HPV and herpes; therefore, some forms of foreplay can be risky. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, HIV (less risk), and trichomoniasis can be transmitted orally. Additionally, bacterial STDs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be transmitted in foreplay, and may not require actual intercourse.
Foreplay Practices with STD Risks
Foreplay acts like oral sex can impose a high risk of transmission of STDs. If one of the partners has oral chlamydia or gonorrhea, then oral sex performed by such a partner will highly provide the infection to the receiving partner's genital area. Syphilis can also be transmitted through oral sex if one of the partners has the primary stage symptom of a small ulcer anywhere on the genitals, anus, lips, or mouth. Herpes and HPV are sexually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can be passed on through frottage, kissing, oral sex or possibly even via fingering. The risk of transmitting HIV via oral sex is theoretically possible but generally low.
Making Sure Foreplay is Safe
Some examples include but are not limited to sexual talking, removal of clothes, watching explicit content, certain fetishes, sexual bondage, blindfolding, sploshing, and role-playing. They are considered safe since it does not involve skin-to-skin, skin-to-genitals, or mouth-to-genitals contact. Here, we shall look into some of these safe foreplay practices:
Sexual Conversation
One of the most important aspects of sexual foreplay is the art of sex conversation or "sexting." This practice requires no physical contact and is a very safe procedure that will not result in the transmission of STDs.
Undressing
Undressing, the process of taking off a partner's clothes sensually, is one of the favorite forms of foreplay. Of course, it can be elaborated into other practices, such as striptease, with no risk of sexually transmitted STDs.
Watching Adult Content
Watching adult movies as a part of the foreplay routine is a safe practice that does not involve any physical contact and thus, does not carry the risk of spreading STDs.
Fetish Exploration
Fetish exploration can be a safe form of foreplay in as much as it doesn't involve genital contact. This can involve fascination with an object, item of clothing, or a body part that triggers sexual arousal.
Sexual Bondage
Sexual bondage is a sexual stimulation consensual practice in which a partner is tied or restrained and is a safe form of foreplay since it doesn't carry any risk of STD transmission.
Blindfolding
Blindfolding, or covering one's partner's eyes to increase sexual arousal is a safe and popular foreplay that poses no risks of STDs.
Sploshing
Sploshing, also known as wet and messy fetish, is a type of foreplay where substances, such as food or paint, are used to provide an erotic feeling. This practice does not involve any risk of spreading STDs.
Role-playing
Role-playing involves making up scenarios or characters that may be arousing sexually. Because this is a form of foreplay that does not pose a risk for infection transmission, role-playing can be viewed as a relatively safe form of foreplay.
Practicing Safer Sex with Sex Toys
Sex toys have the potential to enhance the pleasures of foreplay, but once again, require responsible use to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Use of condoms on sex toys or washing sex toys well before and after their use can reduce the possible infection rate.
Check Your STD Status in Minutes
Test at Home with Remedium7-in-1 STD Test Kit
Claim Your Kit Today
Save 62%
For Men & Women
Results in Minutes
No Lab Needed
Private & DiscreetOrder Now $129.00 $343.00
For all 7 tests
While certain forms of foreplay may pose a risk for STDs, there are several safe practices that can enhance sexual pleasure without putting one's health in jeopardy. As always, open communication, consent, and practicing safe sex are the paths to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship.
References
- American Sexual Health Association. (2021). "STDs/STIs". Link
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). "Sexual Risk Behaviors Can Lead to HIV, STDs, & Teen Pregnancy". Link
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). "Safe sex: How to protect yourself". Link
- Planned Parenthood. (2021). "What Are the Different Types of Foreplay?" Link
- Go Ask Alice. (2021). "What is foreplay?" Link
- American Psychological Association. (2021). "Understanding the stress response". Link
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). "HPV and cancer". Link
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). "Oral Sex and HIV Risk". Link
- National Health Service. (2019). "How do you get chlamydia?" Link
